The wait for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse just got a little more exciting! Hailee Steinfeld, the voice of Gwen Stacy (Spider-Woman) in Sony’s beloved animated trilogy, recently shared a promising update about the film’s progress. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the finale since Across the Spider-Verse ended on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger in 2023. Here’s everything we know so far about the threequel, including release details, plot hints, and why Steinfeld is urging fans to “trust the process.”
“We’re Well Into That Thing”: Steinfeld Confirms Progress
During an interview with MTV’s Josh Horowitz to promote her new horror film Sinners, Steinfeld revealed that recording for Beyond the Spider-Verse is underway. “We’re well into that thing,” she said with a laugh, though she remained tight-lipped about specifics to avoid spoilers.
Steinfeld emphasized her faith in the creative team, stating, “You’ve gotta trust the process. If there’s one thing I’ve learned with that, it’s that. You put it in their hands, and you’re going to end up with something masterful.” This aligns with comments from producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who earlier vowed to prioritize quality over rushed deadlines.
Release Date: A Long but Necessary Wait
Originally slated for March 2024, Beyond the Spider-Verse faced multiple delays due to production challenges, including reports of demanding working conditions for animators. Sony later announced a new release date: June 4, 2027. While the four-year gap has tested fans’ patience, the studio insists the extra time will ensure the trilogy’s conclusion lives up to its groundbreaking predecessors.
The delay isn’t surprising given the Spider-Verse films’ intricate animation style, which blends hand-drawn textures with CGI. Directors Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson also revealed plans to optimize the movie for large-format screens, promising an “insane” visual experience.
What’s Next for Miles and Gwen? Plot Teasers
Across the Spider-Verse left Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) stranded on Earth-42, a dark universe where his alternate self, Miles G. Morales, has become the villainous Prowler. Meanwhile, Gwen assembled a team of Spider-heroes—including Spider-Punk, Spider-Man India, and Spider-Ham—to rescue him.
Phil Lord teased that Beyond the Spider-Verse will open with Miles as a fugitive hunted by other Spider-heroes, forcing Gwen and her allies to confront the multiverse’s fragile rules. The film is expected to delve into themes of grief, responsibility, and defying fate, mirroring Miles’ journey to save his father from the villain Spot (Jason Schwartzman).
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Commitment to Quality
The Spider-Verse trilogy’s success hasn’t come without hurdles. Reports of grueling deadlines and burnout among animators surfaced during Across the Spider-Verse’s production, prompting Sony to reassess its approach. Lord and Miller acknowledged these issues, stating, “We decided we needed to take the time to make sure we got it just right.”
The filmmakers also hinted at expanding the franchise beyond the trilogy. Producer Amy Pascal teased a potential Spider-Woman spin-off starring Steinfeld’s Gwen, with Avi Arad adding it could arrive “sooner than you expect.”
Cast and Characters: Who’s Returning?
Most of the original voice cast will reprise their roles, including:
- Shameik Moore as Miles Morales
- Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker
- Oscar Isaac as Spider-Man 2099
- Daniel Kaluuya as Spider-Punk
- Issa Rae as Jessica Drew.
Newcomers like Jharrel Jerome, who voices Earth-42’s Prowler, are also expected to play pivotal roles, though Jerome admitted he hasn’t started recording yet.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Superhero Double Life
While fans await Beyond the Spider-Verse, Steinfeld remains busy with other projects. Her MCU role as Kate Bishop (Hawkeye) has left fans wondering when she’ll return. Though absent from recent Avengers: Doomsday announcements, Steinfeld hinted, “I sure hope not” when asked about a long wait for her MCU comeback.
She’s also embracing darker roles, like her part in Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners, proving her versatility beyond animated and superhero genres.
Why the Wait Will Be Worth It
The Spider-Verse films have redefined animated storytelling, earning Oscars and acclaim for their bold visuals and emotional depth. Beyond the Spider-Verse aims to up the ante with:
- Larger-than-life action: Optimized for IMAX and premium screens.
- Emotional stakes: Miles’ fight to save his family and reconcile multiversal chaos.
- Innovative animation: Pushing the boundaries of the style seen in earlier films.
Final Thoughts
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse isn’t just wrapping up a trilogy—it’s setting a new standard for animated superhero storytelling. While the 2027 release feels far away, Hailee Steinfeld’s update assures fans that the team is dedicated to delivering a “masterful” finale. As Gwen Stacy would say, “No matter how many hits I take, I keep going.” For now, trust the process—and keep those Spidey senses tingling!